Superintendent of Schools

Marion Anastasia, Ed.D

Welcome Back to the 2024-2025 School Year!

August 7, 2024

Dear WMRSD Families,

Welcome to the 2024-2025 school year! We are thrilled to begin another exciting year of learning and growth with you and your children. Our first day of school is set for Tuesday, August 27, 2024.  For your convenience, please find the 2024-2025 school calendar here.  It includes important dates to help you plan and  stay informed throughout the school year.

You should be hearing from your child’s principal soon, if not already,  with specific information that you will need for a successful start of the school year. Each school’s handbook includes required policies and procedures to help guide the 2024-2025 school year.

We are thrilled to announce the installation of a new playground at WES. This project was made possible through the incredible support of our community and the dedication of our SAU staff. The new playground will provide our students with a safe and fun place to play and stay active.

Our custodial and grounds teams  have worked tirelessly over the summer to ensure that our school buildings and fields are clean and well-maintained. Their hard work has not gone unnoticed, and we are grateful for their dedication.

This year's summer school program was a great success. We are proud of the students who participated and the staff who made it possible. Many of our staff members have spent their summer working on curriculum development, teaching summer school, and attending team meetings. Their commitment to improving our educational offerings is truly commendable.

Through the use of ESSER funds, we have added some new furniture to all of our school buildings to create more comfortable and conducive learning environments for our students.

As we embark on this new school year, we remain committed to providing a safe, supportive, and enriching environment for all of our students. We have made significant investments in our facilities and programs, and we are excited to see the positive impact these improvements will have on our school community.

Lastly, we highly encourage your participation in school activities and events throughout the year. Your involvement is crucial to the success of our students and the vibrant school community we strive to foster. We also welcome your feedback and suggestions as we work together to create a supportive and enriching educational environment for all.

We look forward to a wonderful year ahead and are excited to see the amazing achievements our students will accomplish. Thank you for your continued support and dedication to our school community.

As always, reach out if you have any questions.

Warm regards,

Marion

April 24, 2024

Dear WMRSD Families,

I imagine many of you have questions or concerns about the new Title IX regulations recently released by the federal Department of Education, which go into effect on August 1, 2024.  Some of you have understandable anxiety and concern about what these new rules will mean for our students, educators, schools, and community.

The most important thing for you to understand about the new Title IX regulations is that they do not change WMRSD’s commitment to an educational environment free from discrimination and harassment based on sex. They also do not change our commitment to offering a supportive and fair process when allegations of sex-based misconduct are raised.

The most significant changes in the rules address how we respond to sex-based misconduct in schools. The rules give us more flexibility than the previous Title IX rules regarding how to address allegations of sex-based misconduct.   Before the rules go into effect this fall, we will provide you with information about what the process will look like in WMRSD.

I know many may have questions about how the new Title IX rules impact the interplay between gender identity, sports, and intimate facilities. Importantly, we are not making any changes right now. First, there is a separate rule governing Title IX’s processes for athletic participation that has not been released.  As to how this new rule impacts intimate facilities, we are reviewing the rule and will carefully consider all options and community input before making any changes to our policies or practices. While we complete that review, WMRSD  will continue its commitment to ensuring all students have an equal opportunity to learn and that no students are bullied or harassed based on their sex, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other prohibited reason.

Again, thank you for supporting the WMRSD’s community/family.

Sincerely,

Marion

8/25/23

Dear WMRSD  Families,

Welcome back to a new school year! It is with great enthusiasm that we open our doors once again to our students,  families, and staff. As we embark on this exciting journey together, I want to take a moment to express our sincere appreciation for your continued trust in our educational community.

At WMRSD, we firmly believe that a strong partnership between parents, teachers, and administrators is essential for the success of our students. Open lines of communication form the foundation upon which we can best support our children's growth and learning. I encourage each of you to establish and maintain regular contact with your child's teachers and principals throughout the year. Whether it's discussing your child's progress, addressing concerns, or sharing valuable insights about their individual needs, your input plays a vital role in their education journey.

Creating a safe and nurturing learning environment remains our top priority. We are committed to maintaining the highest standards of safety protocols to ensure that our schools are places where your children can learn, explore, and flourish without worry. Our dedicated team has worked diligently to implement thorough safety measures, taking into account the latest guidelines and best practices.

Our curriculum is not only academically rigorous but also intentionally designed to educate the whole child. We understand that education extends beyond textbooks and classrooms. Our educators are committed to fostering emotional intelligence, social skills, and character development. This holistic approach prepares our students to thrive not only in their academic pursuits but also in their personal lives and future careers.

Building and maintaining relationships within our school community is another cornerstone of our educational philosophy. We believe that a sense of belonging is crucial for a fulfilling educational experience. By cultivating strong relationships, we create an environment where students feel valued, supported, and inspired to reach their full potential. We encourage students to engage in clubs, sports, and extracurricular activities that allow them to connect with peers who share their interests.

In addition to academics, I want to bring your attention to an important aspect of our community support. Please consider completing the Free and Reduced Meal application. This not only ensures that your child receives healthy meals but also contributes to additional aid for our town. The resources generated from these applications help us provide a more enriched educational experience, reducing the burden on local taxes and enhancing the opportunities available to all our children.

Online Free and Reduced Meal Application and meal payments here: linqconnect.com

Remember, I am always here for you. If you have any questions, concerns, or ideas, please feel free to contact me at manastasia@sau36.org or 603-837-9363. Together, we can make this school year an incredible journey of growth, discovery, and success for every child in our care.

Here's to a wonderful new school year!

Warm regards,

Marion

Marion Anastasia, Superintendent

7/8/23

Dear Families and SA #36 Staff,

I am writing to announce an important addition to our school district's leadership team. We are thrilled to introduce Mr. Rob Scott as the new Assistant Superintendent for School Operations. With his extensive experience and dedication to education, we are confident that Mr. Scott will contribute significantly to the continued growth and success of our district.

It is essential to clarify that Mr. Scott's appointment does not replace his existing responsibilities as Director of Facilities and CTE Director. In fact, he will continue to excel in these roles, ensuring the smooth operation of our facilities and promoting career and technical education opportunities for our students.

In his new capacity as Assistant Superintendent, Mr. Scott will assume the credentialing duties previously performed by our former HR Manager. This includes overseeing the credentialing process with the Administrative Assistant to the Superintendent and the Superintendent, for all district staff, ensuring that they possess the necessary qualifications and certifications for their respective positions.

Furthermore, Mr. Scott will be taking on increased supervision and evaluation of staff. By providing comprehensive support and guidance, he will help foster a positive work environment and promote professional growth among our educators and support staff.

Another crucial aspect of Mr. Scott's role will be focusing on the safety and security of our district. Recognizing the paramount importance of maintaining a secure learning environment, he will work diligently to ensure that all necessary protocols and procedures are in place. Additionally, he will spearhead the implementation of relevant training programs for our staff to enhance their preparedness and response in various situations.  He will also serve as the Title IV Coordinator and the District’s Equity Officer. Rob will also assume all transportation - related responsibilities for our District's vehicles/vans/trucks/buses.

Mr. Scott's appointment as Assistant Superintendent for School Operations reflects our district's commitment to providing a safe, supportive, and high-quality educational experience for all students and staff members. We are confident that his expertise, passion, and dedication will make a lasting impact on our district's operations and the overall success of our students.

Please join us in welcoming Mr. Rob Scott to his new role and expressing our gratitude for his continued service to our community and its  educational institutions.

Dear WMRSD Families,

The 2022-2023 school year is soon approaching! We hope that you and your families have had time to enjoy this incredible summer!

On behalf of the entire WMRSD staff and School Board, I extend a warm welcome to all within our District!  We look forward to having our children back in the buildings on September 6th and I want to take a moment to thank you for all your support, patience, and dedication over the last few years!

Our summer learning camps for students and learning institutes for teachers have been extremely successful and engaging.  Over 100 students took advantage of the summer camps with many dedicated teachers and staff to support them!

The buildings are bustling with new construction projects, painting, and cleaning!  The HS will have individual bathrooms across from the cafeteria, however, that project will not be 100% complete for the opening of school. We have made accommodations so that temporary bathrooms will be available for a short period of time in addition to the available bathrooms throughout the school.  The HVAC project at WES is underway and there are several timelines for the completion of the project without disruption in instruction.  Your principal(s) will be updating you on the progress and status of both projects.

You will be receiving information from your child's principal soon regarding specific school information, so I wanted to get ahead of that so that you are not inundated with too much information at once!

Last night the WMRSD Board approved the August 11, 2022 Return to School Plan.  We are aware that the CDC has released new information and we are awaiting guidance from NH DHHS. We understand that the new guidance will further relax the isolation and quarantine recommendations. More to come! The plan is attached below for your reference.  

In addition, we have completed the 2022-2023 and beyond Strategic Plan which is also attached. We have identified 3 "Pillars" to guide our work: Structure & Finance, Culture & Wellness, and Teaching & Learning. We have also prioritized the action steps for each "Pillar".

Both of these documents are posted on our website as well.

WW Berry is working on finalizing bus routes and will be sending information to families/schools.  There is a critical shortage of bus drivers both locally and nationally; and they are challenged with crafting the routes with fewer drivers. It is our hope that new drivers will be hired so that the routes are more efficient.  We will keep you updated as we gain more information.

Welcome again to the 2022-2023 school year.  We will be at our best when we continue to work together!  Please feel free to reach out to me and/or your school administrators any time!

Q & A

Marion Anastasia, Superintendent, and Lisa Miller, WMRSD COVID Coordinator

September 21, 2021

Dear WMRSD Families and Staff,

As you know, we recently had many positive COVID cases in the District.  Given the many inquiries we’ve received with concerns for the health and safety of our students, families, and staff, we are reaching out to you with some clarifying information in a Q & A format. We hear you and understand and appreciate your concerns.

Remote Instruction?

A question has come to us several times about the possibility of pivoting to remote instruction. At this time, we do not have the authority to move the District into remote instruction. Last April, we were ordered by the Governor to move to the “5 days a week of in-person instruction” model when the NH Emergency Order was lifted.   So, we have no plans for the remote/hybrid option.  However, we will and can provide support to students who are out of school recovering from COVID.  This is not a remote instruction model, but we can do regular check-ins, provide materials, and feedback for children/families affected with COVID during this time. Your Principal can arrange this for you, if needed.

Who Can be at School After an Exposure or Close Contact?

According to the most recent guidance, only non-vaccinated household contacts to a positive case of COVID-19 are required to quarantine.  A household contact is defined as someone who shares a living or sleeping space with an infected individual.  All other close contacts are asked to self-monitor for symptoms for 14 days.   Symptoms of COVID-19 include fever, cough, sore throat, runny nose, shortness of breath, fatigue, chills, body aches, change in taste or smell, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.  If your child (or person) experiences any one of these symptoms, they should stay home and be tested for COVID-19.  If they do not have symptoms and continue to feel well, they can attend work, school, athletics, clubs, and any activities they typically participate in.  You may consider testing your child (person) 3-5 days after their last exposure to COVID-19 and consider having them wear a mask when they are in an indoor space with other people.

You can refer to our August 19, 2021, Return to School Plan to read the DHHS guides for Isolation, Quarantine, and Self Observations on the last three pages: here

What Does the School Do to Inform Families and Staff?

Our COVID Coordinator, Lisa Miller, informs the Superintendent, Marion Anastasia, about positive COVID cases in the schools. This includes both staff and children. We think it is best to be transparent, so an email blast is sent to all staff and families on the days we have positive cases. Then, Ms. Miller follows up with families/staff that may have had close contact with a positive case to provide guidance for isolation, quarantine, and/or school attendance. The guidance depends on vaccination status, household contacts, and ages of infected persons.  Ms. Miller also consults regularly with our local physician on the reopening taskforce committee.

We also have the MASK requirements notice on the Website daily to inform parents, students, and staff about the community transmission rate and the need to mask at the HS.

Why are we Seeing so Many More Cases of COVID-19 This Year?

The majority of COVID-19 cases we are seeing in New Hampshire are caused by the Delta variant.  This variant is far more transmissible than the variant we saw during the last school year.  The reproductive number (R-naught) for the variant we saw last year was 2.4.  This means that for every case of COVID-19, it was passed to 2-3 people.  The R naught for the Delta variant is 7.  Every case transmits to 7 others and each of those cases transmits to 7 more.  It’s an exponential nightmare that makes reining the virus in almost impossible.

Ramping Up Mitigation Strategies

There is flexibility in our mitigation plan this year with the idea that we’ll escalate mitigation when case numbers are high and de-escalate mitigation when transmission is low.  We’re certainly at a point where all schools are ramping up their efforts to minimize the spread. While transmission is high, we will mask in all 3 of our buildings. We will have zero tolerance for mask non-compliance.  We are looking to maximize the distance between students during class time and lunchtime. We will keep elementary students in their cohorts to minimize contact with a large number of peers.  We will maintain a very low threshold for allowing sick students and staff into the building and will rely heavily on testing symptomatic students and staff. We will continue to fog our schools on a weekly basis and will clean high traffic areas daily. We continue to have the air purifiers running all day and replace the HEPA filters when needed. Staff and students are expected to practice good hand hygiene before and after meals. Hand sanitizer is available in all classrooms. The most effective strategy for combating COVID-19 is vaccination.  If your child is 12 or older and is not vaccinated, have a conversation with your PCP about the possibility of acquiring a COVID-19 vaccine for yourself and your child.

What Should Families do if Their Child is Feeling Sick? Staff Feeling Sick?

Each morning before sending your child to school and before heading off to work, it’s important to monitor yourself for signs and symptoms of COVID-19.  If you, as a staff member or your child, as a student experiences any fever, chills, cough, runny nose, sore throat, sinus congestion, chest congestion, shortness of breath, muscle aches, loss of taste or smell, diarrhea or vomiting, we ask that you remain at home and seek testing for COVID-19. If you are unsure whether or not you or your child should enter the building, please reach out to your school nurse.  They can help you to determine whether or not to stay home and can help you navigate your way to COVID-19 testing.  

Confidentiality?

We are legally required to maintain confidentiality with any health issue and that includes students and staff members who have COVID-19.  We can not inform families if the positive cases are all from one family, if the positive case sits with your child at lunch or if the positive case is a student or staff member.

What Happens if Most Staff are Absent?

If our substitute pool is depleted, and there are not enough staff to appropriately supervise and educate the children in our schools, then the Superintendent will have to get guidance from the NH DOE Commissioner of Education for the next steps. Our Principals and staff have been very flexible and creative with staffing the buildings in the past when adults have been absent. Only once have we closed a school for two days because of a flu outbreak.  Last year, we were able to staff all the buildings during the height of COVID.

Where can I Find Additional Information?

www.sau36.org:  WMRSD Return to School Plan

www.dhhd.nh.gov/dphs/cdc/covid19/documents/self-isolation-covid.pdf

www.dhhd.nh.gov/dphs/cdc/covid19/documents/self-quarantine-covid.pdf

https://wecandothis.hhs.gov/back-school-toolkit

https://sites.ed.gov/roadmap/?utm_content&utm_medium=email&utm_name&utm_source=govd

elivery&utm_term

https://www.dhhs.nh.gov/dphs/cdcs/covid19/documents/school-call-presentation-072121.pdf

https://www.education.nh.gov/sites/g/files/ehbemt326/files/inline-documents/sonh/ta-covid-19-

school-vaccination-requirements.pdf

https://services.aap.org/en/pages/2019-novel-coronavirus-covid-19-infections/clinicalguidance/

covid-19-planning-considerations-return-to-in-person-education-in-schools/

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/community/schools-childcare/k-12-guidance.html

https://www.cdc.gov/

https://www.dhhs.nh.gov/directions/littleton.htm

https://www.dhhs.nh.gov/dphs/cdcs/covid19/documents/school-call-presentation-072121.pdf

https://www.dhhs.nh.gov/dphs/cdcs/covid19/documents/school-childcare-toolkit-2021-2022.pdf

Good Morning, WMRSD Staff!

March 13th marks the poignant anniversary of our school closure due to COVID-19.

Today, one year later, most of us are receiving our first COVID-19 vaccine. Who would have thought?

We all can agree that COVID has cast a dark cloud on education, but there are some silver linings. We have responded with resilience because we deeply care for our children, each other, and our community.

Remote learning has provided us with the opportunity to rethink instructional design and addressing social emotional well-being for all.

Thanks to the expertise and unwavering commitment of our technology team leaders, we were able to provide the platforms, equipment, and infrastructure for all students and staff to communicate and learn nearly seamlessly!  Technology is now the driver of instruction! I believe that some semblance of blended learning is here to stay!  Think about your own personal technology savvy and where that can and will go!

Every child was provided meals at their door from the get- go. Our food service staff, and support staff were (and still are) relentless!  I am still in awe about the swiftness, efficiency, and quality that this program provided for our children and the leadership it takes to keep it going strong.

I feel deep gratitude to our District Leadership Team for their leadership so that we were able to successfully  pivot into the ‘unknown’  to support staff, children, families, and each other.  We have been vulnerable and have grown to be OK with not knowing all the answers!

What about our facilities? A big shout out to all the custodial and buildings and grounds staff. Our buildings are clean, warm, and have been reconfigured to accommodate social distancing and a healthy environment.

Our transportation company has made every accommodation requested and has been a true partner in education!  

Our COVID team and COVID Coordinator have been instrumental in keeping us safe and well-informed.

Our secretaries and admin assistants have supported all of us along the way! Our School Board has been supportive and has held the entire Districts’ health and well-being as a priority.

More so, I am appreciative, proud, and thankful for each and every one of you!  I acknowledge the stress and trepidation that we have all felt and may continue to feel. You are the backbone of this District, and collectively, we are looking forward to that glimmer of light nearing soon.

We will be afforded resources that will help for a successful recovery plan. Your voice matters, and I encourage all of you to share your thoughts and ideas.  We are tapping into SEL strategies, assessment reform strategies, research-based early literacy approaches, improved communication applications, intervention and learning loss planning, and healthy physical plant mitigation strategies.

 Although we don’t know exactly what is ahead of us, I do know that we have the steadfastness and intellectual breadth to face and embrace challenges and new opportunities!

My sincere thank you; I am so fortunate and grateful to work with all of you!

Best,

Marion

(Please refer to the District Home  Page for updates and letters from the Superintendent regarding COVID and Return to School information.)

September 29, 2020

Dear WMRSD Families;

The brilliant display of color this weekend reminds us of how fortunate we are to be living, working, and playing in beautiful northern New Hampshire!

Students and staff are settling into the schedule and routines as we returned back to school.  We hope that families are feeling a sense of normalcy as well.

REMOTE SNOW DAYS & DELAYED STARTS

I want to give you advanced notice regarding snow days (inclement weather) this year.  Given that we have the capacity to teach and learn remotely, our ‘snow days’ will be:  “100% remote snow days”

All teachers and students will resume instruction remotely, regardless of the in-person, hybrid, or remote schedule.  Our notifications such as voice and e-mail blasts and social media posts to families and staff will be made similar to a traditional snow day, however, it will be called “100% remote snow day’’.  Buses will not run and all teachers and students will work remotely.  Meals will not be delivered on 100% remote days as well.  

In the event of a delayed start; school will begin at 10:00 AM with the child’s regular schedule either hybrid, 100% remote, or in-person.   Buses will run 2 hours late, and meals will be provided in school and at drop off sites.

ABSENTEEISM

We are experiencing an increase in absenteeism on the remote learning days. This is a reminder that we must abide by the State’s truancy rules regarding school attendance. When a ‘Google Meet/Zoom’ invitation goes out to students, they may not ‘decline’ the invitation; it is their responsibility to join the class as if they were physically in school.  If you could help us with reminding students that they must be present on-line, it would be greatly appreciated.  We are finalizing a ‘Remote Handbook’ for parents and students that outlines the remote expectations. We hope to have this to you within a week.

COVID Questions?

If you have any COVID –related questions or concerns, please contact our COVID Coordinator, Lisa Miller, at Whitefield School (837-9741 or lmiller@sau36.org). Nurse Miller attends weekly calls with the NHDOE and State Epidemiologists with up-to-date information and resources.

As always, please feel to reach out to me or your child’s principal at any time.

Best,

Marion

December 30, 2019

Happy Holidays!

As the new year begins, we see this as the ideal opportunity to check in with students, staff, and families to ensure that our learners are on track, prepared, and ready to go for the second-half of the year! When looking back to the beginning of the year, we have much to be proud of! At the high school, students are underway with ‘owning their learning’ through rigorous programs and a wide variety of content. Extended Learning Opportunities (ELOs), Inquiry Based Units, Spartan Steam Innovation Academy, and the Learning Commons have been a focus of their work.

The elementary schools are working on aligning the Wellness Centers and interventions for academics and social emotional learning. These interventions are referred to as Tier II and Tier III supports. Meanwhile, Tier I interventions are strategies used universally in all classrooms. The elementary schools are also crafting District –wide literacy and math curriculum documents, guides, and assessments.

The budget season is underway! Look for the budget documents on our website right after the New Year. The HS/CTE renovation bond & budget presentations will take place on January 15th beginning at 5:30 PM at WMRHS (the snow date is January 16th). The Deliberative Session is scheduled for February 3rd at 6:30 PM at WMRHS (the snow date is February 5th). We encourage you to attend these presentations so that your questions can be answered or clarified. We are proud to share our priorities for learning & teaching, and how we use our resources in the District. We have designed our budget to drive our strategic plan pillars: Structure and Finance, Culture, Communication, Educational Mission, and Leadership. Our School Board takes an active role in knowing and supporting our priorities and innovative practices for the District.

Again, thank you for your unwavering support and commitment for all the students in SAU #36. We are truly fortunate to live, learn, and play in such a beautiful place! Best, Marion

October, 2019

Welcome to the WMRSD 2019-2020 school year!

We’ve been working on major District projects this fall including the Strategic Plan updates, the Blueprint for Tomorrow Recommendations to the Board, and the continuation of the CTE/WMRHS renovation plans.

The Strategic Plan updates are underway; the sub committee needs a few more meetings to finalize the 2019-2020 action plan. This will be posted on our website promptly thereafter! We continue to focus on our 5 main pillars: Structure and Finance; District Culture; Communication; Educational Mission; and Leadership.

The Blueprint for Tomorrow Steering Committee made completed their study and made recommendations to the Board at the September 23, 2019 School Board Meeting.  The Steering Committee’s recommendations will be considered by the board during  upcoming Board meetings. None of the recommendations have been adopted at this point in time; we will inform the public and staff if any of the recommendations will be considered for further action. You can find information about the 7 month project on our website!   The recommendations are:

1. Consider bringing 7th and 8th grades to the HS
2. Ensure consistent programming and opportunities at WES and LES
3. Reduce the number of sports (evaluation of enrollment and qualified people who can run the programs, cost of transportation, etc); Investigate Athletic programs (Divisions)
4. Development of curriculum to provide hands on, relevant, real life learning opportunities  
5. Increase preparedness for college and career (includes-advisories, ELOs,  seminars, online courses, etc.,  and push down to middle- level grades)
6. Consistent SEL across the District and continue efforts for sustainability  
7. Expand the pre-k programming

The FY ‘21 budget season is beginning this month. We use the Strategic Plan Goals as our guide for the budget  priorities. We continue to plan with fiscal responsibility to the communities, with our learners’ needs first and foremost.  

Mr. Scott and Mr. Berry have been traveling to Selectmen meetings to begin to share the CTE/WMRHS renovation plans and process to receive feedback. They will broaden this networking to the community in the upcoming months!

Please feel free to contact me with any questions, comments, or concerns!

Best,

Marion

March 12, 2019

I am pleased to announce that the WMRSD Board appointed Mr. Scott Holmes as the Lancaster principal and instructional leader.  He will begin working on July 1, 2019.

Scott is currently the principal of the Tok School in the Alaska Gateway School District (Tok Alaska). Scott has earned two Master's degrees; one  in Educational Leadership, and one in Special Education.  He also has experience as a  math teacher, alternative education teacher, PE & heath teacher.

Scott has been in Alaska for the past 12 years, however, he grew up in Maine and has family  in New Hampshire and Maine. He is excited to bring his young family to our District and settle down here!

February 5, 2019

WMRSD Redesign Update

On February 5, 2019, the WMRSD Redesign Steering Committee and the Redesign Project Team met with Dr. William Bryan, from the Center for Secondary School Redesign (CSSR), for the Redesign study orientation training.

The Steering Committee is comprised of members from our community, local businesses, and schools. The Project Team includes students, teachers, and community members.  Our overall goal for the Redesign study is to optimize the use of our district resources in order to provide our students with the best educational experiences.  Our guiding approach is to take into account and balance the possible cost savings and educational benefits, as well.

The Steering Committee will provide the Project Team with resources and guidance along the way.  They will vet the Project Team’s recommendations and data before it’s presented  to the Board.  The Project Team designs and carries out the data collection process within the community.

Our timeline is rigorous; we are aiming to provide the School Board with recommendations by the summer of 2019.  Then, the School Board will decide which recommendations they will consider, with a timeline for the implementation.

During this day-long training, the teams worked together to understand the process, our roles and responsibilities within the teams, the goals and purpose of our work, timelines, and next steps.  Given that we are in the initial phase, we started to craft a project plan. This includes refining our purpose, creating and identifying high performing teams, identifying the project success criteria, identifying all stakeholders, discussing the requirements of a communication plan, and develop team Charters. Our next step is to finalize and publicize our Steering Committee and Project Team Charters.

Within the next month, the Project team will be trained on data collection and analysis by our consultant.  We have not identified the specific data that will be collected at this point in our process.

Looking ahead, we will go through many phases of data collection, ensure that stakeholders and the public are well informed, continually vet recommendations, and refine our process.

December 19, 2018

WMRSD Board Accepts Proposed 2019-20 School Budget at December 17, 2018 Meeting

Dr. Marion Anastasia, Superintendent and Ms. Sheila Goulet, Director of Finance presented the White Mountains Regional School District’s 2019-2020 proposed budget for Board approval.

The $20,928,183 budget was approved by the WMRSD School Board on December 17, 2018.  It represents $48,881 less than the 2018-2019 operating budget.  Overall, with surplus articles approved by voters in 2018, there is a 1.6% increase ($342,528).

The budget includes the support staff salaries of $120,098 for year 2 of their Collective Bargaining Agreement approved by the voters in 2018.  Given that the professional staff negotiations have been finalized, their salaries will appear as a separate article in the Warrant.         

SchoolCare health insurance rates decreased, providing an overall savings of $3,911.  There are no increases in dental insurance for the FY’20 school year.

There are new, fixed, and unanticipated increases included in the FY’20 budget proposal. They include the two Student Resource Officers (SROs) at Whitefield and Lancaster Elementary Schools, Special Education tuition & residential placement expenses, a teacher for English Language Learners, an upgrade to the AV system at WMRHS, and an additional primary teacher.  Fixed costs include the increase in the transportation contract and  retirement benefits.

Again, our budget process is driven by the goals of the WMRSD’s Strategic Plan. We strive to attract and retain high quality teachers by offering competitive salaries and benefits.  New, innovative offerings and models are being implemented  in all our schools to provide rigorous learning opportunities both in and outside of the school buildings. There are structures and resources available for interventions for all learners while teachers continually hone their skills with ongoing professional development.  The buildings are being maintained and getting upgrades to comply with safety regulations and appropriate learning environments.

We are working to increase our revenue by attracting students from choice schools, obtaining alternative funding sources through tuition, grants, and maximizing federal grant strategies. The district is, however, continuing to lose $134,821 in adequacy funding due to the state’s reduction of 4% per year in stabilization funds.

The public Budget Hearing is scheduled for January 9, 2019 at 6:30 PM in the WMRHS auditorium with a  snow date of January 10, 2019.  The Deliberative Session is scheduled for February 4, 2019 at 6:30 PM in the WMRHS auditorium, with a snow date of February 6, 2019.  A detailed report will be available on our website, SAU36.org, before the Budget Hearing.

September, 2018

Consider what the world will be like in 2031 when today’s kindergartners graduate high school! We don’t know exactly what it’ll look like, or what their jobs will be, but there are a couple things we do know: We need to prepare students to be accountable for their learning and to be self-directed!

In the September  edition of The District Dialogue, we are pleased to introduce our newest members of the WMRSD. We are fortunate to have attracted such talented staff members to join our school community!

Also, in this edition you will find the Principals’ welcome back messages, School Board member information, staff recognitions, The Futures summer camp program highlights, employment opportunities, Systems of Care news, and a message from our Student Services Director.

We strive to openly share information with the community. The methods that we are using include e-mail & voice blasts to those who subscribe to our list, website postings, Facebook, Twitter, newspaper articles, school newsletters, school events, White Mountains SD app, and most recently, the District Dialogue. Our Communication Coordinator, Eileen Armstrong, updates information & news daily using these venues. We would like some feedback on any other methods that would be effective for you and your family. We want to know how we are doing, and how to improve! If you do not receive our listserv messages and would like to subscribe, please contact Jeremy Noyes at jnoyes@sau36.org to be added to the list!

This summer, there were many facilities projects and improvements around the District. In addition to cleaning the buildings, we have included a section in this edition that lists the buildings and grounds projects that were completed!

Teachers and administrators participated in many professional development activities over the summer. Again this year, a group attended the Design Studio conference to dive deeper in competency based learning. Ms. Sheehan and Mr. Curtis were presenters at this summer’s conference, representing the great work we are doing at WMRSD!

What is competency-based learning?

1. Students demonstrate and transfer their learning.

2. Students receive support and progress - monitoring based on their learning needs.

3. The content, instruction, and assessments of learning is student-centered (students have a voice and choice of what and how they learn).

4. School policies and structures support the implementation. UNH Policy Brief # 18-01, 4/18

The curriculum steering committees continue to craft and refine our English Language Arts, Mathematics, Social Studies, and Science competency-based curriculums. They are ready to be published to our website! Look for them under the Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment button on the District tab!

The expanded STEAM Innovation Academy will have nearly 80 students enrolled for the 18-19 school year in grades 9-12. Using an integrated approach to ‘Grand Challenges’, the team of STEAM teachers invite family and community members to visit the program. You will see how kids are learning from integrating science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics!

There is National attention and support for Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) in schools. What makes SEL so important in our schools? When students feel a sense of belonging, their learning improves. Decades of research confirms that students’ social, emotional, cognitive, and academic development are deeply intertwined (Hammond, 2018). Schools become safer places when we put into place an educative and restorative approach to discipline and teach SEL skills such as how to resolve conflicts and relate well to others. The four core dimensions of a SEL curriculum are:

1. Intentionally designed learning environments that have strong, long-term relationships.

2. Direct instruction in SEL strategies.

3. Paying attention to the SEL needs of teachers and school leaders as well as students (supporting the adults who work with children with SEL needs).

4. Prepare students to be personally and socially aware, skilled and responsible.

At WMRSD, you may hear educational ‘jargon’ such as MTSS-B (Multi-Tiered System of Supports for Behavior) which is simply the interventions we are providing kids that need support in Social Emotional Learning areas. Just as we support kids at points in their school career when they may need interventions in a math concept, reading strategies, or writing skills; we are supporting kids with social and behavioral interventions.

I am so proud and honored to be starting my 4th year as the WMRSD Superintendent! I thank the School Board, staff, administrators, community, and families for your unwavering support. Together, we make a great team that supports our learners. We have many opportunities to embrace, and we will use our collective resources to meet the ever-changing needs of our school community!

Please feel free to contact me with any concerns, questions, or feedback!

Warmly,

Marion

August 21, 2018

Welcome Back!

On behalf of all our WMRSD Staff, I welcome you back to the new school year!  We are sending out our 2nd publication of the District Dialogue next week that will  introduce our new staff members and highlight newsworthy events from the summer.  This can be found on the website and will be sent via  ‘email blast’ to all our family and community subscribers.

On August 23, 2018, our new teachers will attend an orientation session.  Our Mentor Leads, Kelly Smith, Karen LaRoche, and Lynn Emery have prepared a day of induction that will include information about the Central Office functions, Buildings & Grounds information, Special Education and Student Support Services, Professional Development and Informational Technology. Then, new teachers, their mentors, and building principals will meet together to address the ‘nuts and bolts’ of their work.

On August 27th, staff will meet together for an “All-Staff” inservice. This will be filled with celebrations for years of experience, reflections,  introductions of our new staff, presentations about the 2018-2019 District and school updates, and an afternoon activity for cooperation, active listening, and quick thinking.

On August 28th and 30th, principals will host building-based in-service trainings. Finally, we will welcome our  learners on September 4th!

We will continue to focus on our Strategic Planning  goals: Structure and Finance, Culture, Communications, Educational, and Leadership.  You can find the overall Strategic Plan on our website.  We will be adding the 2018-2019 action plans for each building and the District in September.  

Please feel free to stop by, call, or email me with any feedback!

We look forward to seeing you soon!

Best,

Marion

July, 2018

Happy Summer!

Although school is not in session, we are busy  at WMRSD!  Summer school sessions at Whitefield Elementary School and Lancaster Elementary School are running strong.  Also, the Futures Summer Camp at WMRHS has full enrollment and is successful in its first year of implementation!

The WMRSD Website is taking on a new look and design.  We are under construction with providing updated content, but take a moment to check it out!

The facilities and custodial crews are extremely busy getting the buildings and grounds ready for September 4th!  We are expecting some new window replacements  at WMRHS along with new bleachers.  The Governor recently  signed the Public School Infrastructure Fund, so the Whitefield Elementary School will be working on a newly designed entrance to the building. More information  to come, soon!   The High School infracture project includes new classroom and entry locks.   At Lancaster Elementary School, the Bioshelter is completed.  All the schools will see some new flooring and paint in specific areas as well.

The District Leadership Team is working to update and revise the Strategic Plan, policies, family and staff handbooks, and most importantly, ensuring  we have high-quality staff in all the schools and departments.  New curriculum documents have been crafted for English Language Arts, Mathematics, and Science. The Social Studies documents are nearly completed.  We are excited to have the Curriculum Steering Committees share these with the staff this August!

Again this summer, we have a group of teachers and administrators attending the Design Studio conference to expand our competency based learning understanding.  

Personally, I am joining a cohort with  superintendents nationally,  in a year-long academy for Principal Supervision.  I am excited to learn new, effective strategies that are so important in our work. This was funded through Title IIa re-allocation funds for 2018-2019.

I plan on creating a superintendent’s website in the near future with useful links to our work!

Enjoy this beautiful New Hampshire summer weather!

Best,

Marion

March 1, 2018

Dear WMRSD Families,

Given the recent events at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida, the WMRSD Leadership Team and I would like to share our efforts to ensure school safety for all our children and staff.

First, all of our schools have an approved Operational Emergency Plan (EOP) that is developed through the guidelines of Homeland Security and Emergency Management.  An EOP contains policies and procedures to follow before, during, and after an emergency. The EOP integrates emergency preparedness activities into one document.  It is the focal point for school planning and preparedness procedures which encompass whole community planning. Our EOP’s are updated yearly and submitted to the NH Department of Education.  
At the beginning of the school year, all WMRSD staff received ALICE training (Alert, Lockdown, Inform, Counter, Evacuate) by certified ALICE trainers.   We are now planning a Spring evening event for all our parents/community to inform you of the strategies and methods involved in ALICE procedures.   Please watch for an invitation soon, this will be facilitated by our District Leadership Team, ALICE trainers, and local law enforcement officials.  After the parent information event, we will begin training our students and practicing according to developmental age appropriateness.
On March 20, 2018, we will have a group of WMRSD staff attend the NH DOE training designed to familiarize schools on recognizing school threats and understand how to prevent critical incidents.  This training is intended for administrators, teachers, counselors, support staff, law enforcement, local behavioral health representatives, and additional staff who play a role in threat assessments and/or school safety, security, emergency management and preparedness.  
We have also submitted grant applications to the NH DOE safety and security infrastructure fund.  If approved, our doors and locks on all schools will be upgraded as well as the entrance of the Whitefield Elementary School. We will keep you informed of our grant application status!
Meanwhile, we continue our monthly fire, lock down, and/or evacuation drills as required by law.  
We are fortunate to have a very dedicated, committed staff who care deeply about children and will do what it takes to ensure everyone’s safety.

Please feel free to contact me with any concerns!  Our WMRSD family hopes that you and your children are enjoying the winter break!
Best,
Marion

__________________________________________________________________________

December 11, 2017

WMRSD Board Accepts Proposed 2018-2019 School Budget at December 11, 2017 Meeting
by Dr. Marion Anastasia & Ms. Sheila Goulet

Dr. Marion Anastasia, Superintendent and Ms. Sheila Goulet, Director of Finance presented the White Mountains Regional School District’s 2018-2019 proposed budget for Board approval.
The $20,458,244 budget (operating  budget=$19,013,244) was approved by the WMRSD School Board on December 11, 2017.  It represents $521,443 less than the 2017-2018 operating budget. The budget includes the teachers’ salary increases of $205,798, for year 2 of their Collective Bargaining Agreement.  Given that the support staff negotiations are underway, their salaries will appear as a separate article in the Warrant.
SchoolCare health insurance rates increased 2.7 % and 2.6 % (depending on which plan the subscribers choose) for teachers.  This includes a $77,203 premium holiday.  The support staff rates increased 3.7%.  This also includes a $61,703 premium holiday.  Although there are increases in the rates, the overall health insurance budget decreased by $90,000.00 due to individual staff members’ plan changes. There are no increases for dental insurance for the FY’19 school year.  
The closing of the Jefferson Elementary School has an approximate savings of $609,500.00.   The current JES staff will be assigned to new positions/schools according to the Collective Bargaining Agreements for teachers and support staff.  The transfer of the school building’s ownership to the town of Jefferson will appear as a separate article on the Warrant to be voted on by the public.  
Our budget process is driven by the goals of the WMRSD’s Strategic Plan. We strive to attract and retain high quality teachers by offering competitive salaries and benefits.  Technology continues to ramp up so that all students in grades 6-12 will have a 1:1 device; and the schools are equipped with appropriate infrastructure to support our technology.   New, innovative offerings and models are created in all our schools to provide rigorous learning opportunities both in and outside of the school buildings. There are structures and resources available for interventions for all learners.   Teachers are continually honing their skills with ongoing professional development.  The buildings are being maintained and getting upgrades to comply with safety regulations and appropriate learning environments.  A capital plan is underway to address the long-range goals for all our facilities.  
We also generate revenue by attracting students from choice schools, obtaining alternative funding sources through tuition, grants, and maximizing federal grant strategies. We are collaborating with neighboring SAUs to share resources and professional development efforts. Next year, we will be receiving $1,100 for each kindergarten student in the District with the new Keno funding.  
The estimated tax impact for our communities is:  Carroll -$.35; Dalton -$1.05; Jefferson -$.44; Lancaster $.51; Whitefield -$.88.    The district is projected to lose $255,600 in Adequacy Aid (per estimates received by the state) with Lancaster seeing the largest decrease ($237,572).  
The December 11, 2017 budget presentation is available on the SAU36 website www.sau36.org . The Public Budget Hearing and presentation by the board is scheduled for Wednesday, January 10, 2018 at 6:30 PM at WMRHS (snow date is Thursday, January 11, 2018). The Deliberative Session is scheduled for Monday, February 5, 2018 at 6:30 PM at WMRHS (snow date is Wednesday, February 7, 2018).

November 27, 2017 WMRSD School Board Meeting

Where: WMRHS  Media Center

Time: 6:30 PM

Please join us at the November 27th School Board meeting! Guests from the New Hampshire Department of Education will explain Adequate Education Aid.   You will learn how Adequacy Grants are determined and calculated; and the implications for local tax dollars. The presentation will be approximately 45 minutes.

Following the Adequacy Aid discussion, our guests from the NH Department of Education will share the Every Child Succeeds Act (ESSA) Consolidated NH State Plan, which replaces the No Child Left Behind Act (NCLB).  This discussion will be approximately 45 minutes as well.

If you cannot attend the meeting in person, please know that you can view it on our website under the School Board tab!   We hope to see you then!

NH ESSA Plan

August 25, 2017

Welcome back to the 2017-2018 School Year!  

Do you realize that this year’s kindergartners will be the class of 2030?

The custodial and buildings & grounds crew have done a tremendous job this summer getting the schools and grounds ready for our learners who will return on September 5th!  

The priority for our facilities are cleanliness and safety for students and staff.

This year, our efforts will continue to be shaped by our Strategic Planning goals and action steps.  We will be focusing on clarity in curriculum, driven by our Curriculum Steering Committees for Math, Science, Social Studies, and English Language Arts. Included in this work is data analysis so that the instructional and behavioral decisions we make are data- driven for all students.    Grades K-5 will be using a new math program, Bridges.  Teachers will be receiving professional development along the way as well as support provided by the math teacher-leaders.  

The High School is adding adding another STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) cohort of 9th graders this year!  Last year’s  9th grade STEAM cohort will continue on for their second year as 10th graders.

Our newly formed Systems of Care (SOC) Leadership Team will be working to help us address the mental health needs of our students and provide support and resources  for families and teachers.

Communication through the WMRSD website, school websites, Facebook, Twitter, email- blasts and press releases will be more frequent as we make a concerted effort to improve our communication by the entire administrative team, teachers, coaches, and staff members!  We want your feedback!

The Middle Level model is coming to fruition as the teams have been planning all spring and summer for our 6th-8th graders at Whitefield Elementary and Lancaster Elementary Schools.

The ground will be broken next week at Lancaster Elementary School to make way for the bioshelter that will be built on the space where the old barn was located.  Watch for updates and stories from LES as the project progresses!

We have many new talented staff members joining the WMRSD community! We will provide mentoring to them as they acclimate to our District.  We are fortuntate that they chose WMRSD as their workplace!  Please join me in welcoming them!

Please feel free to contact us with any feedback, comments, or questions. Our doors are open to you!

Best,

Marion

What Do We Mean by ‘Right-Sizing’ the District?

Our recently adopted WMRSD Strategic Plan includes a strategy to “create a plan for rightsizing the district that supports our educational goals and ensures equity for all students.”  

Right-sizing includes examining, researching, and taking necessary action on facets of the organization such as: Educational, Human Resources, Structures & Finance, Policy, Cultural, and Leadership.

The plan is taking shape:

We are working with the New Hampshire School Administrators Association (NHSAA) to embark in an assessment of educational programs and facilities as well as a demographic trend analysis. NHSAA will include researching the key areas identified above to determine our program needs.  The pertinent data from the 2007 NHSAA facilities study will also be reviewed.  An analysis of educational spaces for the high school and three elementary schools will focus on a complete demographic assessment of the communities, and create an understanding of local educational programs, their compliance with state expectations, and their adaptability to 21st century learning.  In the end, NHSAA will create a profile of how existing space is utilized in all of the district’s buildings, with an analysis of educational efficiency.

An example of action already taken, is the transformation or our maintenance and custodial services for WMRSD. Through the recommendations of New England School Development Council (NESDEC), we have revised job descriptions, work hours, and the supervision of the custodial staff. WMRSD has joined a local custodial buying group to save on supplies and janitorial services. A 5 year capital facilities plan is underway to identify and project major expenses for the upkeep of our buildings.

Our special education delivery service model has been transformed so that we can utilize a formula to determine staffing in each building according to individual students’ needs.

Given that our aim is to have a laser-like focus on teaching and learning, the educational transformation is taking shape with the formation of curriculum steering committees with representation from grades K-12. This will ensure consistency and equity across all grades and schools. The work ahead will include viable curriculums,  research-based grading practices, creating a local comprehensive assessment plan, and identifying instructional best practices.

In transforming teaching and learning, district leaders want to create a system in which students assume ownership for their learning. Through a culture of continuous improvement, our instructional model is moving toward embracing a learner-centered paradigm of education.  Plans for structuring schedules will accommodate this shift with a 6-8 grade middle school model and a continuation of the high school block scheduling to include extended learning opportunities and alternative pathways for high school credits.

We are using our professional development funds more wisely by offering professional development embedded within the school day, facilitated by teacher-leaders.

Technology is ramping up with every student having Chrome Books in grades 6-9. This will expand each year so that in the near future, students in grades 4-12 will have access to their own Chrome Book. Along with the technology comes the necessary building infrastructures as well as the associated professional development so that teachers and administrators are using the tools effectively.

A strategy to attract and retain high quality staff is to offer a competitive salary and benefit package. If the communities vote for the 2017-2018 budget and the warrant article that supports the newly negotiated teacher’s contract, this will become a reality for WMRSD!

The WMRSD has the ability to respond effectively to changing student needs; even with fewer dollars. The high leverage strategies included in our strategic plan will help us operate efficiently and effectively with a focus on what’s in the best interest of our students.  Our strategic plan can be found on the sau36 website.

Rightsizing is not an isolated event. Rather, it’s a process that requires continued self-examination as our student population changes.

January 4, 2017

The FY18 WMRSD budget presented reflects a -0.38% decrease (-$74,475) from the FY17 operating budget and a -1.47% decrease (-$309,475.00) from the FY17 total appropriation.

 Total Appropriation: $20,735,235.00  

 Operating Budget: $19,290,235.00

This budget includes the support staff salary increases for 2017-2018 warrant article approved 3/2016.

This budget does not represent the warrant articles (including teachers’ negotiated salaries/benefits for FY18 and FY19).  Teachers are still negotiating; this warrant article will be populated at the 1/9/17 Board meeting provided the negotiations are finalized.

The individual schools’ budgets appear to be inflated over last year’s budget.  The rationale for this increase is that we have included in each school’s budget the actual expenses that were formerly in the District budget.  This includes Technology, Curriculum, Instruction, & Assessment, Special Education and ESLO expenditures.

Reductions and Additions FY18 Budget

• Transportation routes consolidation with WW Berry; reduced by 2 routes.

Staffing Reductions

• District -wide, there are 5.9 professional staff reductions due to class sizes of 13

& 14 +/- and/or restructuring of programs.  We are confident that these positions will most likely be retained due to staff attrition (retirements, resignations, refusal of contract, and leave of absences).   It is premature at this time of year to identify specific staff/positions  that may be affected, if any.  There will be a reduction in central office personnel, to be determined.

• There are no anticipated support staff reductions.

Staffing Increases (In Response to the Strategic Planning Data)

• 1.0 FTE additional custodian (NESDEC Recommendation)
• Part/half time (TBD) Public Relations/Communications personnel: District-Wide
• 1.0 FTE IT Technician WES & LES  

Facts about New Hampshire Education Adequacy Aid

In 1991 and 1997 the NH Supreme Court ruled that the system in New Hampshire used to fund education was unconstitutional.  (Claremont Lawsuit, Lisbon, Claremont, Pittsfield, Franklin, Allenstown)

New Hampshire has not yet met its obligation stated in the Supreme Court ruling.

School districts receive:

o   $3,561 per student

In addition:

o   $1,780 per free and reduced lunch student

o   $1,915 per special needs student

o   $696 per English language learner

o   $696 per student who does not read at third grade level beyond third grade.

WMRSD cost per pupil average: $16,748.95

NH education adequacy aid does not come close to what WMRSD spends per student.

The stabilization grant (the portion of adequacy funding given to poor communities) is being reduced by 4% per year until it is gone in 25 years.

WMRSD’s total FY18 stabilization grant is $3,370,527

Total loss: $134,821  (a year for 20 years)

New Hampshire no longer makes payments to the N.H. teacher’s retirement fund, shifting all of those costs to the teachers and districts. (11% increase = $96,000)

Special education catastrophic aid has been reduced.

Loss of adequacy aid creates an adversarial relationship between the taxpayers and the school district.  Taxpayers are expecting, unfairly, that the school budget be reduced in order to keep their tax rate from increasing.

This situation is not sustainable and has many consequences to the school and town.  Ultimately the town and the school will suffer greatly from a loss of services and programs for its citizens and students.

 ______________________________________________________________________

October 7, 2016 In-Service Day

Teachers are learners, too!

 During the White Mountains Regional School District October 7th teacher in-service day, the elementary and middle school teachers of Jefferson Elementary School, Lancaster Elementary School, and Whitefield Elementary School participated in Responsive Classroom® Training.  This was the first of four sessions planned for the 2016-2017 school year.  

The White Mountains Regional High School teachers participated in a series of trainings specific to block scheduling, Career and Technology Education (CTE), and instruction and assessment strategies.  

The administrative assistant/secretarial staff and the Central Office staff was provided training in various Google applications.  They learned the functionality of the applications as they directly apply to their positions in the schools/offices.

The Responsive Classroom (RC) approach to teaching stresses social, emotional, and academic growth in the school community.  Given that ‘how’ children learn is as important as ‘what’ they learn is driven by our beliefs; the academic success of every child is tied to building strong social-emotional skills.   The RC training was divided into three groupings.  The first, RC for Elementary Educators,  is designed for introducing the approach.  During these sessions, teachers focus on the skills and practices of building a positive community, effective management and engaging academics.  The second, RC Advanced Course for Elementary Educators, is designed to focus on advanced RC teaching practices and strengthen existing practice.  Lastly, RC for Middle School Educators, focuses on middle level skills such as advisories, guided practice, interactive modeling, preventing and responding to misbehavior, and interactive learning structures.  The four key domains of RC are: Engaging Academics, Positive Community, Effective Management, and Developmental Awareness.   The second of the four sessions is planned for the January 13, 2017 in-service day.   Two additional sessions, RC training for para professionals and RC training for Administrators, will be offer in January as well. The last two sessions will be offered in March and June 2017.

What is Block Scheduling?  This type of scheduling organizes the day into fewer, but longer, class periods to allow flexibility for instructional activities.  WMRHS has transitioned into block scheduling this fall. Given this, teachers are learning effective strategies and structures to optimize the extended learning time.  The ‘block’ influences teaching, and shapes the interactions between teachers and students.    The most valuable benefit of these longer periods is the opportunity for more in-depth learning and project-based instruction.  This continues to be a work in progress!  

September 2016

Welcome to a new school year! This is an exciting time to be in education!

At our opening of school in-service, the staff worked on the protocol:  “Making Sense of the Work Underway”.  This is an effort to further understand our system’s current initiatives and strategies.  We identified the following categories to focus our work: 1.) Curriculum; 2.) Assessment; 3.) Instruction; 4.) Healthy Students/Safe Schools; 5.) Professional Development & Growth; 6.) Resource Management; 7.) Community Engagement; and, 8.) Facilities.  All 200 of our staff members had the opportunity to weigh- in on initiatives that are a priority to them.  This information along with the long-awaited Strategic Planning objectives (nearly finalized), are  taking shape to inform  the direction of the District.  Please stay tuned;  we hope  that the Strategic Plan will be presented at the Oct 24th School Board meeting for final approval!  Special thanks and gratitude to the Strategic Planning Committee members.

WMRSD is making an effort to shift from a culture of teaching to a culture of learning.  The role of a teacher is to engineer situations in which students learn effectively.  This empowers students to learn;  giving the responsibility back to students. We believe that students learn from when they are actively involved in their learning and when learning is fostered in a culture of curiosity,  motivation, energy, collaboration, independence and accountability. Research clearly indicates that what is needed is teachers to foster a classroom culture of questionings and deep thinking.